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Katelyn CollingsCAS Alumna shines in the Capital Fellows Program

"Study Abroad. Pick a country, find out which program caters to your anticipated major, enroll in the respective language courses, and enjoy having one of the best five months of your life."

Katelyn Collings

What was your greatest accomplishment during your academic career at USD?

Completing my senior thesis in which I managed to combine my two loves, international relations and art history. I would not have done it without the encouragement of my fellow Honors Program comrades and the professors who did not let me quit! Eight of us in the department ended up presenting our papers at the Western Political Science Association's annual convention in Vancouver, Canada. It took a lot of preparation, but it also opened up the world of research and academics as a profession. It was an invaluable experience.

What activity had the most impact on you?

Having the opportunity to work on campus had a huge impact on my time at USD. I met so many people while working up at the pool and the 'old' gym my first two years. Working in the IPJ allowed me to be in constant contact with my major professors in political science and international relations. Overall, having the time to concurrently study, interact with my professors, and pay for some of my living expenses, was such a blessing.

Being a part of Kappa Alpha Theta and the Greek community as a whole, also greatly impacted me. I met one of my best friends while forging my identity as a Theta and I became involved with our national philanthropy organization, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). I now work for Voices for Children, a non-profit, which facilitates San Diego's CASA program and which works intimately with the County's juvenile dependency system providing and managing volunteer advocates for foster children. I do not think I would be working for Voices if not for having the opportunity to fundraise and interact with CASA while at USD.

"Although I didn't study court operations and the intricacies of California's judicial organization during my time at USD, I learned how to research and give teeth to my intellectual curiosity."

Katelyn Collings

How are you using your USD education in the workplace today? Did an education in the liberal arts impact your career choice?

A liberal arts education prepares you comprehensively and for experiences that you might not have embarked on otherwise, such as the Capital Fellows Program. Post-graduation, I found myself studying court management and working within one of the largest judicial systems in the United States—something I would never have considered as a career choice on my own. Although I didn't study court operations and the intricacies of California's judicial organization during my time at USD, I learned how to research and give teeth to my intellectual curiosity. I was taught how to write reasonably well and communicate effectively. According to my dad, that is what college is all about! That and attempting to grow into your best self, one mistake at a time.

What advice would you give to a prospective student?

Study Abroad. Pick a country, find out which program caters to your anticipated major, enroll in the respective language courses, and enjoy having one of the best five months of your life. I went to Florence for a semester and spent three weeks in South Africa—I am trying to find a way to go back as we speak. Graduate school? Peace Corps? Honeymoon!?

How do you stay connected to USD?

I pop onto campus once in a while when there is an interesting lecture or event advertised in the Alumni Update newsletter. The fact that I still live in San Diego helps a lot—I can see it from the freeway!

"I pop onto campus once in a while when there is an interesting lecture or event advertised in the Alumni Update newsletter."

Katelyn Collings

What is your favorite Torero sports team to watch?

Hands down, women's soccer and softball—my best girlfriends were starters! Football and basketball games were definitely fun, of course. I grew up attending women's volleyball games entertaining the possibility of playing one day—once I realized I wasn't going to grow an extra foot, I kind of gave up on that dream.

What is your favorite beach in San Diego?

Toughie! I lived in Mission Beach my junior and senior years, so it will always have a special place in my heart. Recently, however, I have fallen in love with Windansea Beach in La Jolla—gorgeous waves and rock formations that protect just the perfect amount of secluded beach.

Where is the best view on campus?

Walking back from the Jenny Craig Pavilion at dusk, stopping just before the football field. The faint purple and orange glow of the sun setting over Mission Bay, contrasted with the cool, expanse of the school's architecture sends shivers up my spine.

Complete the sentence "USD is…"

…my mom's alma mater! Go class of '83!

What do you miss the most about USD?

I miss going to class, the bells tolling from the Immaculata as you wander through campus, and the time I spent studying, sipping coffee, or going to drop-in pilates with some absolutely amazing people. Oh, and that turkey burger from Burt's Bistro! That was so good!!

As Katelyn Collings embarks on her new career with Voices for Children, the College of Arts and Sciences would like to congratulate CAS alumna Mallory Waters as she starts the 2010-2011 Judicial Administration Fellowship Program. For more information about Waters, please visit www.sandiego.edu/cas/polisci/news_detail.php/?_focus=37070.

Quick Facts

Graduate in 2009 with a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations

Participated in the 2009-2010 Capital Fellows Program

Works for local non-profit Voices for Children

Presented research at the Western Political Science Association annual conference in Vancouver, Canada